Woodford Reserve has unveiled the 2015 edition of its $1,000 Mint Julep Cup, available at the Kentucky Derby and benefiting the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program.

Now in its 10th year, the 2015 iteration was designed in partnership with fashion designer Billy Reid and mixologist Pamela Wiznitzer, and handcrafted at Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault.

The cups pay tribute to Derbies past, according to a press release, while at the same time looking to the future of this iconic event.

In addition to the cups themselves, Reid also developed an limited edition fabric that will accompany each cup, as well as be featured in a capsule collection. The wearables include a limited quantity of bowties and neckties available for purchase at all Billy Reid locations, online at www.billyreid.com, and at the Woodford Reserve Distillery.

This year’s julep represents a “new take on the heritage cocktail that is the classic Mint Julep,” according to a press release. (The recipe is below.)

Each year, Woodford Reserve has selected a charitable organization to receive the proceeds from the  Mint Julep Cup sales. To honor the tenth year of the program, the public was asked to help determine which of two pre-selected organizations would receive the donated net proceeds by voting online. Nearly 3,000 votes were recorded during the voting period of March 16-30, with the Wounded Warrior Equestrian Program receiving the majority of votes.

Woodford Reserve will contribute a nominal donation to the additional participating organization, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund.

How to Purchase a Cup
Consumers ages 21 years and older can log on to woodfordreservemintjulep.com to purchase one of the Victory Cups or Winner’s Circle Cups. Online sale closes on April 30, 2015, at 12 p.m. E.T.

Any unsold cups will be available for purchase at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day.  Purchase of cup does not include admission to Churchill Downs. Purchased cups must be claimed by buyer or his or her proxy at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.

Woodford Reserve 2015 Kentucky Derby Mint Julep.

2 oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
0.75 oz Coconut Palm Sugar Syrup
6-8 Chocolate Mint Sprigs
Candied Orange and Lemon Slices for garnish
Powdered Sugar

Combine ingredients and shake with the mint. In the Julep glass, place three sprigs of the mint at the bottom and top with crushed ice. Strain over crushed ice into a julep glass, insert metal spoon straw. Top it with a mint sprig and candied orange/lemon slice and powdered sugar.